Venezuela is one of South America’s most mysterious countries, where the world’s highest waterfall, ancient tepui mountains, and crystal-clear Caribbean waters meet savannas and rainforests.
Venezuela is located in the northern part of South America, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Brazil to the south, Guyana to the east, and Colombia to the west. The country has a tropical climate, but due to its varied topography, different climatic zones can be found: from hot coastal plains to cool mountain regions. Venezuela is ideal for ecotourism and adventurous travelers who want to discover one of the world’s last unknown paradises in a stunning natural environment.
Table of Contents
Best places in Venezuela
Angel Falls (Salto Ángel)
The world’s highest waterfall plunges 979 meters from Auyán-tepui mountain in Canaima National Park. The waterfall is named after Jimmy Angel, a Venezuelan pilot who first flew over it in 1933.
Reaching Angel Falls is an adventure in itself: it can only be accessed by airplane or helicopter, or through multi-day treks. The water falls from such a height that it partially evaporates on the way down, arriving at the valley floor as a fine mist. Ancient rainforest surrounds the waterfall, preserving the secrets of Earth’s history in an unchanged form for millions of years.
The waterfall’s uniqueness lies in its irregular flow throughout the year: it’s most impressive during the rainy season (May-October), while during the dry season it often flows as just a thin stream along the rock face. The surrounding tepui mountains have remained unchanged for millions of years, rising above the rainforest.
Mount Roraima
The most famous tepui mountain, rising 2,810 meters at the border of three countries – Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. This stunning geological formation was the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel „The Lost World”.
Mount Roraima’s flat top is a 31-square-kilometer plateau that hosts unique flora and fauna. Plant species that exist nowhere else on Earth live here. Climbing the mountain requires a 6-8 day trek, during which hikers pass through three different climate zones: from savanna through mountain forests to the rocky summit.
The plateau’s surface consists of unusual rock formations, crystal-clear pools, and black stone pearls. From the mountain top, a breathtaking panorama opens up over the Gran Sabana savanna and the multitude of surrounding tepui mountains. Roraima is also a spiritual place for the local Pemon Indians, who consider the mountain „the mother of waters”.
Margarita Island
Venezuela’s largest island lies 67 kilometers from the northern coasts in the Caribbean Sea. The island is called „the pearl of the Caribbean” due to its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and duty-free shopping opportunities.
The island consists of two main parts: the larger eastern section, where the capital La Asunción is located, and the smaller western peninsula, characterized by lagoons and mangrove forests. The island’s most beautiful beaches include Playa El Agua with its long, white sandy shore, and Playa Parguito, which is an ideal spot for surfing.
Its specialty is the pearl farming tradition that has continued since Spanish colonization. In the museum in the island’s capital, visitors can gain insight into the history of this centuries-old craft. In the interior areas, picturesque mountain villages and colonial-style churches can be found, preserving traces of Spanish heritage.
Caracas
Venezuela’s capital and largest city spreads across a beautiful valley, 900 meters above sea level. The modern metropolis is bordered to the north by the impressive El Ávila mountain range, which provides natural protection for the city.
The city’s heart features the beautiful Plaza Bolívar, surrounded by Spanish colonial-style buildings, including the stunning Caracas Cathedral. The National Pantheon is the resting place of Simón Bolívar and other Venezuelan national heroes. In the modern part of the city stands the outstanding architectural creation, the Teresa Carreño Cultural Center, along with numerous museums and galleries.
From Caracas, El Ávila National Park is easily accessible, offering fantastic views of the city and the distant Caribbean Sea. Near the city is Mount Humboldt, accessible by cable car, from which an unparalleled panorama unfolds before visitors.
Médanos de Coro
Venezuela’s only true desert is located near the city of Coro, on the Paraguaná Peninsula. This 91-square-kilometer national park, with its stunning sand dunes, evokes a piece of the Sahara in South America.
The dunes can reach heights of 40 meters and constantly change due to wind effects. In the golden sand sea, green oases occasionally appear where palm trees and cacti grow. The park’s specialty is where the desert meets the sea – the sand dunes extend directly to the Caribbean Sea shore.
Médanos de Coro is an ideal location for sandboarding and camel trekking. At sunset, the dunes display golden yellow and red colors, while at night the clarity of the starry sky is breathtaking. The area around the desert is home to the rare guanaco, the llama’s smaller relative, as well as numerous desert bird species.
Orinoco Delta
The mouth of South America’s third-largest river, the Orinoco, flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The delta covers 40,000 square kilometers and hosts one of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystems.
The delta’s labyrinthine waterways can only be navigated by small boats led by local Warao Indians. These indigenous people have lived on the water for millennia, building palm huts among the mangrove roots. Tourists can gain insight into their traditional lifestyle, crafts, and fishing techniques.
The Orinoco Delta boasts incredible biodiversity: more than 350 bird species live here, including pink dolphins, caimans, giant snakes, and countless fish species. Water lily fields are common in the delta’s channels and lagoons, creating magical sights with their purple and white flowers.
Choroní
This picturesque small coastal village is located near Henri Pittier National Park and boasts one of Venezuela’s most beautiful Caribbean coastlines. The hills surrounding the village are covered with coffee plantations and cacao fields.
Choroní’s historic center preserves beautiful colonial architecture: colorful houses, flower-filled balconies, and cobblestone streets characterize it. The village’s nearby beach, Puerto Colombia, with its crystal-clear water and golden sand, is ideal for swimming and diving. The coastal coral reefs provide a habitat for rich marine life.
The village’s specialty is cacao de Chuao, one of the world’s finest cocoa varieties, grown in the nearby Chuao valley. Visitors can participate in cacao plantation tours, learning about the traditional chocolate-making process.
Lake Maracaibo
South America’s largest lake, which is actually a saltwater lagoon, lies beneath Venezuela’s largest oil reserves. The 13,000-square-kilometer lake is world-famous for its unique natural phenomenon, the Catatumbo lightning.
The nocturnal Catatumbo lightning is one of the world’s most unique meteorological phenomena. On average, 250 nights per year, a lightning show lasting for hours occurs over the lake, with up to 300 lightning strikes per minute. This natural fireworks display is so bright that for centuries it served as a natural lighthouse for sailors.
Several indigenous tribes live around the lake, including the Añú Indians who live in floating villages on the water. These communities have preserved their traditional fishing methods and waterside lifestyle.
La Gran Sabana
The endless savanna stretching across Venezuela’s southeastern region covers 10,000 square kilometers. This ancient landscape is home to tepui mountains and crystal-clear rivers, where time seems to have stood still.
The savanna is dominated by flat-topped mountains unique worldwide, the tepuis, which consist of 2-billion-year-old rocks. Among these peculiar mountains, countless waterfalls cascade down, including the world-famous Angel Falls. The savanna’s surface is covered by richly woven grass carpet, dotted with sparse palm groups and gallery forests.
La Gran Sabana’s indigenous peoples, the Pemon Indians, have lived in harmony with this natural environment for millennia. In their villages, they live in traditional malocas and preserve their ancient customs, crafts, and legends. One of the world’s most beautiful scenic roads crosses the savanna, leading from the city of Santa Elena de Uairén to the Brazilian border.
Ciudad Bolívar
The historic city on the banks of the Orinoco River was one of the most important sites of Venezuela’s independence struggles. The city was named in honor of Simón Bolívar, who launched his South American liberation campaigns from here.
The old town preserves beautiful colonial architecture: chapels, convents, and colorful-fronted houses line the cobblestone streets. The Casa del Congreso de Angostura museum was the site of the 1819 constituent assembly. The historic center features the stunning Orinoco riverside promenade, offering fantastic views of the mighty river.
It’s an excellent starting point for Canaima National Park and Angel Falls. From the city, helicopter and small aircraft tours depart to the wildest landscapes of Venezuelan Guyana.
Caripe
A charming mountain town in a secluded valley of the Venezuelan Andes, called „Venezuela’s eternal spring” due to its pleasant climate. The city lies 900 meters above sea level and is characterized by pleasant 20-25 Celsius degree temperatures year-round.
Near Caripe is the Guácharo Cave, one of the world’s longest cave systems. The cave is home to the peculiar guácharo bird, which is active at night and navigates using sound waves, like bats. Alexander von Humboldt was the first European naturalist to explore this natural wonder in 1799.
The hillsides around the city are covered with coffee plantations and orchid farms. Caripe is famous for orchid cultivation – more than 300 orchid species are found around the city. In local markets, visitors can taste world-famous Venezuelan coffee and a wide selection of fresh tropical fruits. From the city, beautiful hiking trails lead through the surrounding mountains, offering unparalleled views of the valley.
Best national parks in Venezuela
Canaima National Park
Venezuela’s largest national park covers 30,000 square kilometers in the country’s southeastern region. The park is one of the world’s largest protected natural areas and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994.
In addition to Angel Falls, its main attraction includes more than 100 other waterfalls, including the Ucaima and Golondrina falls. At the park’s heart lies Canaima Lagoon with its crystal-clear water and pink sandy shores. The lagoon is fed by six different waterfalls, of which the Ucaima waterfall cascades 20 meters wide into the lagoon.
The park is characterized by a multitude of tepui mountains – more than 100 such flat tops rise above the rainforest. These mountains host unique ecosystems where 30-50% of plant and animal species are found nowhere else on Earth.
Morrocoy National Park
The aquatic national park on Venezuela’s northwestern coast covers 32,000 hectares in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The park includes numerous small islands, coral reefs, and mangrove areas.
Among its most beautiful islands is Cayo Sombrero, one of the most photographed locations in the Caribbean region with its snow-white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. On Cayo Muerto island, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore colorful coral gardens and the diversity of tropical fish. Swordfish, rays, and sea turtles can also be observed in the shallow waters.
The park’s mangrove forests provide important nursery areas for marine life. The rare flamingo, pelican, and more than 200 bird species live here. The town of Tucacas in the park area serves as a starting point to the islands, from where daily boat services transport visitors. Kayaks can navigate the mangrove channels while observing the rich birdlife and underwater life.
Henri Pittier National Park
Venezuela’s first national park, established in 1937, named in honor of the famous Swiss botanist Henri Pittier. The 107,000-hectare park extends from the coastal mountains to the Caribbean Sea shore.
Its uniqueness lies in having five different life zones in an extremely small area: from coastal dry forests to mountain cloud forests. This diversity results in incredible biodiversity – more than 520 bird species live in the park, representing 41% of Venezuela’s bird fauna. It contains one of the world’s richest hummingbird populations with 42 species.
The villages of Choroní and Puerto Colombia are located within the park, serving as gateways to the most beautiful Venezuelan Caribbean beaches. In the park’s mountainous areas, coffee and cacao plantations can be found where visitors can learn about the cultivation of these world-beloved plants. From the peaks of the Pittier Mountains, breathtaking views open up to the Caribbean Sea and coastal plains.
El Ávila National Park
The stunning mountain range bordering Caracas city to the north has its highest point at the 2,765-meter Naiguatá peak. From here, on clear days, both Caracas city and the Caribbean Sea are visible simultaneously.
From Caracas, a cable car can take you to the top of Ávila Mountain, where a small hotel and restaurant await visitors. During the journey, we pass through three different climate zones: from the urban level through mountain forests to the cool peaks. Different flora and fauna can be found at various elevations of the mountain range.
The park has numerous hiking trails, from easy walks to technical mountaineering. Several waterfalls are also found within its territory, including the Quebrada Quintero waterfall, which is particularly spectacular during the rainy season. The mountain range’s northern side already faces the Caribbean Sea, where picturesque fishing villages like Galipán preserve the atmosphere of the colonial era. Galipán is famous for its fresh strawberries and mountain flowers, which are sold in Caracas markets.